The ASHLEE Heights Patong Hotel & Suites

While many resorts and hotels in Patong look a little rundown, this hotel is refreshingly clean and contemporary. The lobby is bright and airy with large windows and interesting seating options like crushed velvet window settees and platform couch beds. It has a modern decor with bright colorful accents in purples and reds offset by wood floors and interesting hanging light fixtures. The 24-hour front desk is helpful and there is coffee and tea available in the lobby, which has enough seating areas for a person to actually sit and enjoy. As this is an urban hotel, there aren't any gardens or lawns. The majority of guests here are tourists and the overall vibe is respectful and quiet.

Located slightly away from the busiest areas, this hotel is still convenient for exploring Patong, and it offers a tad more privacy than its competitors. It's about a 15- to 20-minute-walk to Patong Beach and a 10-minute walk to the nightlife of Bangla Road. Bangla Boxing Stadium and Bazaan Fresh Market are a 15-minute walk. The immediate neighborhood is home to other hotels and a few spas or massage parlors. The hotel is easy to find, and though it's about an hour from the Phuket International Airport, the hotel can help book convenient transportation options. There's a free shuttle to the beach and underground parking.

The 77 soundproofed rooms in this hotel are quiet and huge, especially the Triple Rooms and the Family Suites. But even smaller rooms have plenty of space to spread out. Decorated in cool tones -- think shades of gray and blue -- with streamlined furnishings, the spaces all look clean, organized, and uncluttered. Modern amenities include minibars, big flat-screen TVs with cable channels, electric water kettles, and free Wi-Fi to make the rooms even more comfortable for guests. Larger rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, full-size refrigerators, and washing machines. Thoughtful extras like free bottled water and umbrellas in all the closets are homey touches.

The bathrooms are accordingly spacious with deep bathtubs (some with separate showers as well) and modern fixtures but be aware that sometimes this hotel runs a little low on hot water. Also, the showers don't have shower curtains so the bathroom floors end up soaking wet. Robes and slippers are available for guest use, and wall-mounted hairdryers plus extensive toiletries mean fewer items to pack.

Most rooms have balconies, though not all have views. When not taking in the fresh air, there are also individual climate controls so guests can keep their rooms at what ever temperature suits.

The rooftop pool is lovely with plentiful sun loungers and an expansive poolside bar. The white chairs and umbrellas juxtaposed with the blue of the pool give the area a definite upscale vibe. The restaurant is relaxed with a decor focus on natural woods and ergonomically styled furniture. It's open pretty much all day and the breakfast buffet has a hot station for fresh cooked eggs; the menu includes both international and Thai fare. Room service is also available at this hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

For those with culinary interests beyond just eating, this hotel offers Thai Cooking classes, which include a demonstration, hands-on practice, and ultimately: students feasting on their own creations.